Climate, Seas and Environment
How do the Earth's natural ecosystems work? And how vulnerable are these systems to human impact? These are two of the key issues in the field of Climate, Seas and Environment.
Climate, seas and environment are all part of the Earth's natural system. Understanding how they work and are affected by humans requires a systematic approach and interdisciplinary working methods.
The Bert Bolin Centre for Climate Research is one example of an interdisciplinary research centre. The Centre was established with special funding from the government and develops ocean circulation models. The departments of meteorology, physical geography, geosciences and applied environmental research are responsible for the centre. Other examples of interdisciplinary research centres are the Stockholm Resilience Centre and the Baltic Ecosystem Adaptive Management (BEAM).
The University also has prominent research environments in individual areas. For many decades, the University has had a very strong position in marine research when it comes to issues concerning the Baltic Sea, for example, eutrophication and pollution. The University's research is collected under BEAM, which aims to create sustainable management of the Baltic Sea. The research environment at Stockholm University is also in an internationally leading position when it comes to the Arctic region.
Environmental studies explore how pollution affects humans and organisms – from cells to populations. Researchers study potentially toxic substances at risk of being released into the environment, how and in what concentration substances are absorbed by the environment, as well as toxic effects of these substances on humans and animals.
On the climate side, there is internationally leading research on the significance of dust particles in the atmosphere. Among many other projects, the University's climate scientists are involved in the development of a new European climate model together with SMHI.
Web editor:
Paul Parker
Last updated:
November 23, 2011
Source: Communications Office
